Upper School Archives

Upper School Division News December 5, 2024

December 5, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, December 6: No US Classes, Conferences
Friday, December 6: US Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM
Saturday, December 7: US Semiformal Dance, 8-11 PM, Woman’s Club (Minneapolis)
Friday, December 13: PreK-12 MPA Preview, 8:30-10 AM, Gallery & Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Monday, December 16: G7-12 Musical Auditions, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box & Choir Room
Tuesday, December 17: US Parent Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
Tuesday, December 17: G7-12 Musical Auditions, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box & Choir Room
Tuesday, December 17: US Parent Coffee for Class of 2029, 6:30-7:30 PM, PCR
Wednesday, December 18: G7-12 Musical Callbacks, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box
Friday, December 20: Caroling with the Madrigal Singers, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni, 7:30-8 AM, Family Commons
Friday, December 20: US Madrigal Singers and Chamber Orchestra Music Tour, Off Campus Field Trip
Monday, December 23-Friday, January 3: No Classes, Winter Break

This Saturday evening the Upper School will hold its annual winter Semiformal Dance at the Women’s Club of Minneapolis. The Club, originally founded in 1907, was designed by the architect of the Foshay Tower, Leon Arnal, and moved into its location just off Loring Park in 1928. Hosted by the Student Council, the semiformal dance serves as an important social event that fosters unity and strengthens the bonds within our upper school community. High school dances provide students with an opportunity to take a break from academic pressures and engage in a festive environment. According to the educational journal Edutopia, “research shows that participation in school events like dances enhances students’ sense of belonging, which is crucial for their emotional and social development.” These events encourage students to connect with peers from their own and different grades, creating a more inclusive atmosphere that can lead to lasting friendships.
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Calling Alumni And Parents Of Alumni Musicians!

November 18, 2024

from James Lekatz, Middle and Upper School drama teacher and director

For those of you who were involved in the arts at MPA, the fall was full of excitement. As you grabbed our instruments, opened your scripts, or massaged your clay, you knew magic was in store. This week, the Nicholson Center will be filled with music as band, orchestra, and choir start their concert season. In November, the Middle School play, “Little Women” will open. Walk around the school, and you will see the walls covered in kindergarten to 12th-grade artwork. MPA vibrates with art! We are so lucky to have the arts as one of the main tenants of the school. MPA believes in the transformative power of the arts and arts education, a counter and radical mentality to the world we live in. We are looking forward to seeing alumni in the audience for these vital moments of joy.

As the arts are always pushing us forward, I am looking toward the spring. This is my second year at MPA, and I have seen the show posters around the garden level. What high school produces “Candid,” “Anyone Can Whistle,” and “Marat/Sade”? How were these productions able to take place? How big were those orchestras? I have met a handful of MPA alumni, and some of your favorite memories of MPA include the musical. I have heard wonderful stories of community, transformation, and sometimes regret for not starting sooner in the department.

This year’s musical is The Wizard of Oz, and here is where you come in. While you will not be in a costume on stage, we are looking to grow our orchestra pit. If you are a musician who plays an instrument, would you like to join us? Would you consider sitting side by side with current MPA students, filling out the sound of that iconic score, and sharing your joy of the arts with us?

Please contact Hannah Lawson, orchestra director, hlawson@moundsparkacademy.org or James Lekatz, Middle and Upper School drama teacher and director, at jlekatz@moundsparkacademy.org to learn more.

Helping Your Child Thrive: A Guide To Homework

November 18, 2024

One of the most frequent questions asked of our admission staff when families are first exploring our school is, “Tell me about homework” or “How much homework do students have at Mounds Park Academy?” MPA’s philosophy is that homework should always affirm and confirm what students have learned in the classroom. In other words, homework assignments should be about practice. When homework is designed this way, it leads to students taking responsibility for their assignments because they understand how to approach it. Our end goal is that students will find motivation within themselves to succeed. We also work to teach our students balance. We want them to be able to focus on their academic achievements, but also be in the musical, or play soccer, or participate in debate. It is important that students can handle the responsibility of homework without them drowning in it. Rigor at MPA is not the amount of homework you have or the number of hours you spend studying. Rigor at MPA is a deep and meaningful inquiry.

Very often that means a parent’s role is not working through the material with the student but encouraging the student’s independence and responsibility. But as parent you may ask, “How do I do that? What is my role?” We have some ideas on how you can support your student with their homework. Read More

Upper School Division News November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Sunday, November 17-Saturday, November 23: Fall Campaign
Monday, November 18: US Boys Basketball Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day
Thursday, November 21: Spirit Wear Day
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Friday, November 22: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, November 27: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 28: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Friday, November 29: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Wednesday, December 4: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 4: MS/US Parents: Students and Screens, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
Thursday, December 5: US Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM

As a student and younger adult, I would often hear people describe themselves as “burning the candle at both ends.” Not knowing what exactly this phrase meant, I found myself politely nodding and doing all I could to change the subject to something I understood better. Fast forward several years, I now clearly understand this phrase, especially as an educator and a parent, and realize that sleep is a crucial component of health and well-being, particularly for teenage students. During adolescence, the body goes through numerous physical and mental changes that require rest and sleep for a young adult (and older adults, too) to function. Research shows that teenagers need about eight to ten hours of sleep each night to support their growth and development. Unfortunately, many students struggle to meet this requirement, especially during the winter months when they often leave for school and return home in darkness.

The consequences of students not having enough sleep can be serious. Studies indicate that sleep deprivation can negatively impact cognitive performance, memory, and attention span. A report published by in July 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control highlights that “students who do not get enough sleep tend to have lower grades, an increased difficulty concentrating in class, and a higher risk for many health problems.” This is particularly alarming, considering that the winter season can exacerbate these issues due to reduced natural light exposure, which can affect mood and energy levels. Read More

Igniting Dreams

November 14, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

When I was in middle school, I had a paper route. One advantage to having a paper route was that I had a lot of time to think, and I often dreamed of what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had it down to two options, and as I tossed a paper on each home’s front porch, I alternated between the two: “President, or Pope, President, or Pope…” Like pulling the petals off a daisy, I hoped my future would become clearer with each paper. While my dream was not ultimately realized, I was fortunate to have a number of teachers who encouraged me along the way, igniting other dreams for the future.

As we move through this vibrant season of learning, growth, and discovery, I am asking for your partnership in something truly meaningful: our annual fall giving campaign, taking place from November 17 to November 23. This year, our theme, “Igniting Dreams, One Gift at a Time,” captures our vision and commitment to fostering the potential within each MPA student.

Our theme this year also captures the powerful impact of each individual contribution. Every donation, no matter the size, plays a role in fueling students’ aspirations and helping them achieve their dreams. Each gift acts as a spark, collectively building a foundation of support that enables students to explore their passions, grow academically, and develop into compassionate, engaged individuals.

RSVP To Experience MPA On A School Day

November 13, 2024

The school day PreK-12 MPA Preview is Friday, December 13, 8:30-10 AM! With community members as your hosts, you’ll visit classrooms to see students and teachers in action and end the morning with an opportunity to ask any specific questions you may have. If you will be bringing a child, please do let us know!

MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce you to the faculty, students, and families who make MPA the exceptional learning community that it is. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives, be engaged in conversation, experience what a day in the life of an MPA student is like, and leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way. Read More

Election Day At MPA

November 7, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

With a joyful spirit, MPA students went to the polls on election day. The library was transformed into a bustling polling place, with ballots, voting booths, and older students assisting younger ones. Lower School students had fun voting for spirit wear options or “express yourself” clothing on monthly out-of-uniform Fridays, while Middle and Upper School students participated in the presidential vote. Witnessing our students actively engage in this democratic practice was both heartwarming and hopeful, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this meaningful event.

This mock election was part of a larger, month-long focus on civic engagement and civil discourse at MPA. Throughout the fall, we’ve committed to enhancing a culture where students learn to engage thoughtfully, respect diverse perspectives, and analyze information critically. Grounded in MPA’s founding principles and John Dewey’s philosophy of experiential learning, our mission-driven goal has always been to empower students to become well-informed, active participants in society. The Election 2024 Plan, led by teachers Summer McCall and Katie Murr, offered students a variety of opportunities to explore civic engagement, from age-appropriate discussions to civil discourse training, all designed to prepare them for constructive, thoughtful conversations.

The excitement of Tuesday gave way Wednesday to a range of emotions throughout the school as the results of the national election became known. Developmentally, students responded to the news in a variety of ways and teachers were prepared to accompany and support them however they were feeling. We were prepared to offer safe spaces for students to come together to process the election outcome and to address and call out when students were not respectful of one another. I know teachers worked hard yesterday (and will continue) to make sure that every student had a chance to say what they are thinking and feeling while also being aware of the impact their words have on others.

The Seven Senses: Sensory Supports at MPA

October 31, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director and director of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning

Editor’s Note: Periodically, you will find a guest Head’s Message here from members of the administrative team. We hope you will enjoy reading their thoughts and reflections about life at MPA.

Sir Ken Robinson’s prolific Ted Talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” exquisitely describes the traditional school model’s habit of separating the head from the body. In other words, traditional schooling is unevenly focused on academic skills, leaving out the other side of the human development coin: the body and the senses. The integration of the mind and the body is imperative to the development of a human being and underscores our whole child approach at Mounds Park Academy. Thanks to MPA’s Building Opportunities for Learning Distinction (BOLD) Innovation Fund that families supported during the 2022 Spring Auction, and along with our learning specialist and PreK-5 school counselor, we were able to make the sensory room initiative a reality in the spring of 2024. Repurposing a corner of the Lower School workroom last year, the counselor and I offered short, daily “sensory breaks” for students in the Lower School to find emotional regulation and calm during the bright and busy school days. Since then, we have hired Mx. Lewis as of this September, our student success teaching assistant based in the sensory room who collaborates with the teachers, counselor, and learning specialist in the Lower School.

But you might be asking, what exactly is sensory processing and what is a sensory room? With October marked as Sensory Processing Awareness Month, this is a timely question. And here is where our “seven senses” come in. Yes, we all learned in elementary school that there are five human senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. However, did you know that researchers have more recently discovered two additional senses? Those include the proprioceptive and vestibular senses.
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Upper School Division News October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, November 1: No Classes, Grading Day
Sunday, November 3: Taste of Ninth Grade, 11 AM-12:15 PM, Family Commons
Sunday, November 3: PreK-G12 MPA Preview, 12:30-2 PM
Sunday, November 3: US Boys Soccer Banquet, 5:30-7:30 PM, Lowell Inn
Thursday, November 7: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Thursday, November 7: US G9 Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Recital Hall
Thursday, November 14: US G10 Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Recital Hall
Thursday, November 14: US Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
Sunday, November 17-Saturday, November 23: Fall Campaign
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center

I am writing this note from my quasi-comfortable airline seat at 38,000 feet somewhere over eastern Russia as I make my way back to the Twin Cities from visiting Vanke Meisha Academy, our partner school in Shenzhen, China. I spent the past week visiting the school where I met and spent time with the students, faculty, and staff VMA. Prior to my arrival in Shenzhen, the perception I had of China was primarily based on what I had been taught as a student and witnessed via the US media. My week in Shenzhen, however, has made me realize that experiencing something firsthand allows me to draw my own conclusions and not be limited to what others share.

Traveling to new locations is an important way to learn about different cultures, traditions, and environments beyond what we can see in books or online. When we visit new places, we engage with the local people, taste authentic foods, and witness unique landscapes, which deepens our understanding of the world. Experiencing things firsthand allows us to appreciate diversity and build empathy towards others. It also challenges our perspectives, encouraging us to think critically about our own lives and habits.
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Your Involvement In Accreditation Is Essential

October 24, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

I am still on a high from last week’s Grandparents and Special Friends Day. It was a joyful event, and I enjoyed the many conversations I had with our guests. To see the pride our students have in their school and the delight in the eyes of their grandparents and special friends warmed my heart. I heard over and over what a wonderful school we are and how special MPA is. One parent shared that their dad never quite understood the value of the school given the cost until he witnessed the extraordinary teachers and warmth of the culture. “His experience was life-giving,” said the parent.

Events like Grandparents and Special Friends Day can serve as a mirror to reflect the school’s mission and values in action and to affirm whether we really are who we say we are. At MPA, we don’t take that for granted and strive to hold ourselves accountable to our mission and values. Our accountability extends to all members of our community: students and their families, faculty and staff, alumni, trustees, and benefactors.

I want to share with you an important process that underscores Mounds Park Academy’s commitment to accountability, improvement, and excellence: our participation in the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) accreditation process. As you may know, Mounds Park Academy is a proud member of ISACS, an organization whose mission is to promote the development of strong learning communities characterized by high academic achievement, social responsibility, and independent governance. ISACS was founded in 1908 and serves more than 240 member schools in 13 states.